Kent

Kent, a county of stunning contrasts, easily accessible from London and mainland Europe, offers so many attractions for walkers to explore. Kent has more castles, historic houses and listed buildings than any other English county, more than 180 gardens open to the public and, of course, historic cities alongside bustling market towns, picturesque villages and hidden hamlets. Walking along Kent's 4,200 miles (6,759 km) of paths is the perfect way to discover the many diverse landscapes to be enjoyed in the county - their history, their wildlife and their communities. For all the information you need about exploring the countryside and coast by bike, foot or horse, visit www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent.

Walking in Kent
Kent has over 4,200 miles of public rights of way, and over 340 miles of coastline, one of the longest in the UK.

Kent's dramatic coastline, rolling hills, chalk downland, woodland, orchards, vineyards and hop gardens offer a wide range of walks ensuring superb days out in the countryside and coast. You can enjoy panoramic views or explore the many historic villages and towns nestling in lush landscapes. With vibrant towns, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), famous castles, historic houses and gardens open to the public, there is so much to explore that visitors return time and time again for days out, short breaks and longer holidays.

From food walks at Faversham, to river walks along the Medway and easy access walks across the county, there are hundreds of circular walking routes to choose from which can take anything from an hour or two, to a full day out. Kent offers something for everyone.
Long distance walks are also popular in Kent. The Wealdway, 82 miles and the Greensand Way, 108 miles, both pass through fertile valleys and over rounded hilltops, which are typical of the beautiful Wealden landscape. The Saxon Shore Way, 160 miles, follows Kent's ancient coastline and the North Downs Way, 153 miles, follows much of the well-known and historic Pilgrims Way and offers far reaching views from the top of the North Downs ridge. Walking one of these routes could be the basis for a fantastic walking holiday in Kent.

If you are looking for a getaway by the sea, Kent boasts not only one of the longest coastlines of any county in the country but also one of the most diverse.

Landscapes range from Dover’s famous White Cliffs, overlooking the Channel and the coast of France, and the golden sands of famous resorts such as Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Margate, to the wildlife sanctuaries of the Medway Estuary and Cliffe Marshes and the haunting scenery of Romney Marsh.

As access to and from the sea has played such an important part in the shaping of Kent’s history, it is not surprising that coastal walking promises not only some of the most stimulating and memorable days out but also a fine introduction to the history of England.
The impressive remains at Reculver and Richborough remind visitors of the impact of the Roman invasion. More than 70 Martello Towers clearly illustrate the constant concerns about coastal defence, as do the Second World War fortifications on the clifftops at Dover. Meanwhile, the Medway Estuary with its castles and Historic Dockyard carry the imprint of numerous famous maritime expeditions and fears of invasion from across the seas.

Where to stay in Kent
Famous for its hospitality and fine local produce, Kent offers the full range of accommodation available from luxury spa and country house hotels to intimate, family-run bed and breakfast accommodation and well-serviced camping parks. To plan your stay in Kent, the Garden of England, visit www.visitkent.co.uk.

Cycling in Kent
Wherever you are in Kent, from the heart of the Weald to its varied coastline, deep in a country park or investigating one of its picturesque market towns, you'll find it's simply more fun by bike.

Kent's country parks offer great opportunities for traffic-free cycling, while superb new facilities such as Bedgebury and Penshurst Off Road Centre offer more challenging two-wheeled excitement.

Kent's coastal routes are equally varied and offer a great way to get exercise and fresh air at the same time. Visit the Sustrans cycle map to see the best places to take two wheels.

More people are also taking advantage of Kent's many cycle clubs. They organise social cycling events and rides throughout the year and provide lots of advice and support for new riders.

Parks in Kent
There are hundreds of parks and open spaces in Kent. From large country parks with all the facilities you could need to patches of woodland teeming with wildlife. Explore Kent has a comprehensive online parks search which lets you choose the perfect park in Kent.

We met close to Brightling Needle at a convenient place to park. The weather was beautiful for walking, sunny with a slight breeze and not too hot. The rain from the weekend had mostly dried up so the going was very good with very little mud. The walk allows views of all of the follies although you cant get up close to them all. We all enjoyed a lovely lunch in The...

Time Out Country Walks near London Volume 1
Walk 43 : Otford Circular
Romney Street, Shoreham and the Darent Valley
12.2 km(7.6 miles) Toughness: 5 out of 10http://www.walkingclub.org.uk/book_1/walk_43/index.shtml

Staying in Elmstone we only had a short walk before picking up the Stour Valley near East Stourmouth. Many miles are walked through orchards and you'll see little of the Stour until reaching Sandwich. After Sandwich the walk takes you right through Royal St George's Golf Club before heading South along the coast to Deal. We were tired after nearly 15 miles walking so we headed for the station where we picked up...

Great off road route. Mostly flat with some hills. Start point at Minnis Bay has free parking, cafe and loos. Lots of birds along the shore towards Minnis Bay. Osyster farm. Wonderful cliff top site of Reculver ruins. Over grass then on very minor roads down to the promendade to Herne Bay. Have to take the road through Herne Bay and up and down the hill to the Hampton Pub. BUt the road was very quiet in September. Then back to the cyle path along the seafront to Tankerton. Visited on Sep 06, 2012

Selsdon Thursday Walkers (David Russel).
Lovely Autumn day starting fr a classic English cricket green at Leigh.
A few climbs but easy on styles and a lot of flat non muddy surface.
Great countryside around Penshurst Place and village. Church at Penshurst worth a look.Visited on Jun 21, 2011

Selsdon Thursday Walkers (David Russel).
Lovely Autumn day starting fr a classic English cricket green.
A few climbs but easy on styles and a lot of flat non muddy surface.
Great countryside around Penshurst Place and village. Church at Penshurst worth a look.Visited on Jun 21, 2011